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Ohio High School Athletic Association postpones tournaments due to coronavirus concerns

OCOLUMBUS - The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Thursday afternoon all postseason tournaments have been postponed indefinitely.

The decision was made minutes before the first game of the state girls basketball tournament was to begin. Regional boys basketball tournaments were ongoing, and the state wrestling and hockey tournaments were scheduled to begin later this week.

The Newark girls basketball team was scheduled to play Canton GlenOak at 6 p.m. Friday in a Division I state semifinal.

“Although we are all disappointed, we also understand the bigger picture,” Newark coach J.R. Shumate said. “Our country’s most vulnerable are more important than our games.”

Twelve wrestlers from six schools were supposed to begin competing Friday afternoon.

“I am absolutely devastated for our wrestlers and the Newark girls basketball team as well as all of the athletes affected by this situation,” said Licking Valley athletic director Mark McCullough, who had four wrestlers scheduled to compete. “While I can’t say I disagree with the decisions being made, that does not take away from the fact that I feel terrible for these kids who have sacrificed so much to get to this point.”

McCullough added Valley has not yet made any decisions regarding the cancellation of spring sports practices and scrimmages.

“This is a tough day for our three young men, as it is for athletes all over the state and country at every level,” Utica athletic director Brian Radabaugh said. “I feel for them, their coaches and families because I know how hard they have worked to put themselves in this position to live out a dream. However, we understand and support the decisions made. We hope somehow someway we are able to get the state tournament in but understand there is no guarantee that can happen at this point.”

Governor Mike DeWine announced later Thursday the state is banning gatherings of more than 100 people.

”I can’t say I know their emotions. I do know the work they put into it,” said OHSAA commissioner Jerry Snodgrass after meeting with players from Dayton Carroll and West Branch, who were scheduled to play in a Division II semifinal at 1 p.m. Thursday.

Snodgrass said the postponement allows for the OHSAA to reschedule at a later date if concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 dissipate.

“I can certainly respect people who disagree, but athletic directors and coaches I have met with today were 100% supportive,” Snodgrass said. “Disappointed but understood.”

Late Wednesday night, the NBA suspended its season following reports Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the virus. Conference tournaments in men’s and women’s basketball began cancelling play Thursday morning.

Snodgrass said his decision was made to protect the health of student-athletes, but added “there’s a greater national concern.”